Waste-to-potential plant nutrition: Green synthesis of heteroatom-doped CQDs from pyrolytic wood vinegar and their molecular interaction studies as potential nano-fertilizers
Küçük Resim Yok
Tarih
2026
Dergi Başlığı
Dergi ISSN
Cilt Başlığı
Yayıncı
Elsevier Sci Ltd
Erişim Hakkı
info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
Özet
This study converts tar, a waste from wood vinegar purification (a charcoal production byproduct), into heteroatom-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs). Using an optimized microwave-assisted method (pH 10, 750 W, 10 min), the high-carbon tar was successfully transformed into CQDs, which were further doped with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to form N-CQDs and P-CQDs. Characterization showed N doping significantly increased the photoluminescence quantum yield from 38.2% to 63.4%. To assess their potential as nano-fertilizers, density functional theory and molecular docking studies were performed. P-CQDs exhibited a higher binding affinity for TIR1 ubiquitin ligase (-11.8 kcal/mol) than pure CQDs (-11.4 kcal/mol), whereas N-CQDs showed a characteristically, lower-affinity mode (-9.4 kcal/mol). Furthermore, CQDs are bound with high affinity to the nitrate transporter NRT1.1 and phosphate transporter PHT1;4, suggesting they can modulate transporter function via an ion bridge mechanism. Furthermore, an in vitro wheat seedling bioassay was conducted to physically validate the agronomic potential and ecological safety of the synthesized nanomaterials. The empirical results revealed a distinct dose-dependent hormetic response, identifying 50 mg/L for N-CQDs and 25 mg/L for P-CQDs as optimal biostimulant concentrations that significantly enhanced root and shoot elongation. Conversely, acute phytotoxicity and metabolic collapse were observed at elevated doses (100 mg/L P-CQDs), underscoring the critical necessity of precise dose management to ensure biosafety in nano-agricultural applications. These findings demonstrate that waste-derived, heteroatom-doped CQDs are promising, environmentally friendly nano-fertilizer candidates, enabling targeted nutrient release and plant growth regulation.
Açıklama
Anahtar Kelimeler
[Keyword Not Available]
Kaynak
Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
WoS Q Değeri
Q1
Scopus Q Değeri
Q1
Cilt
14
Sayı
3
